tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-191500192016-03-02T07:56:25.843-08:00eat, drink & be veganTake a mom of 3, stir in 4 vegan cookbooks, add a rounded cup of staying at home, and mix with a hefty pinch of recipe testing!Dreenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16551890320761504899noreply@blogger.comBlogger658125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19150019.post-4550950714416465932013-03-17T10:13:00.000-07:002013-05-19T05:51:00.895-07:00Get NEW vegan, gluten-free, and raw recipes!It's been almost a year since I posted here! &nbsp;Why? <br /><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Well, I definitely wasn't taking a blogging vacation. &nbsp;No, I've been blogging at&nbsp;<a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=Plant-poweredKitchen">Plant-Powered Kitchen</a>. I'm there - but you aren't! &nbsp;I realized recently that&nbsp;1000s&nbsp;of you are missing my posts.</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JU7jS2cP6ck/UUX3k5kK4bI/AAAAAAAADyc/fPnQqIcbaII/s1600/IMG_5778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JU7jS2cP6ck/UUX3k5kK4bI/AAAAAAAADyc/fPnQqIcbaII/s640/IMG_5778.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="425" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I have been posting new recipes, hosting giveaways, and talking all about&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/WE90IP" target="_blank">leafy greens</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/UhhL8T" target="_blank">ditching dairy</a>&nbsp;- and more!</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ctiVZmFKC-Y/UUX3Fg6rWmI/AAAAAAAADyU/gwK9Te75Zv8/s1600/jerkchickpeas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ctiVZmFKC-Y/UUX3Fg6rWmI/AAAAAAAADyU/gwK9Te75Zv8/s400/jerkchickpeas.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><br /></b></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>So, jump over and&nbsp;<a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=Plant-poweredKitchen" target="_blank">subscribe to Plant-Powered Kitchen</a></b>.&nbsp; I will be hosting new giveaways, launching an ebook, and announcing NEW book news very soon - you don't want &nbsp;to miss all that, right?</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=Plant-poweredKitchen" target="_blank">Subscribe now</a>!&nbsp;</div></div>Dreenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16551890320761504899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19150019.post-83920694964567930592012-04-09T09:08:00.005-07:002012-04-10T05:37:55.996-07:00New Website: Plant-Powered Kitchen!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bJ69S8m1g9c/T4MIVagUipI/AAAAAAAADv4/bXPtr4JMopk/s1600/IMG_6790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bJ69S8m1g9c/T4MIVagUipI/AAAAAAAADv4/bXPtr4JMopk/s320/IMG_6790.jpg" width="240" /></a>Hi guys! &nbsp;I am thrilled to announce my new online home, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.plantpoweredkitchen.com/"><b>Plant-Powered Kitchen</b></a></span>! &nbsp;(www.plantpoweredkitchen.com)<br /><br />Please link through to my <a href="http://plantpoweredkitchen.com/welcome-to-plant-powered-eating/"><b>FIRST blog post from my new site</b></a>. <br /><br />And, change your bookmarks and other thingamajigs to my NEW blog:<br /><br /><b><a href="http://plantpoweredkitchen.com/blog"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">plantpoweredkitchen.com/blog</span></a></b><br /><br />Goodbye little blog... hello plant-powered kitchen! xoDreenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16551890320761504899noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19150019.post-32258051100732167772012-04-05T11:09:00.001-07:002012-04-05T12:21:01.654-07:00Easter Menu: Avocado & Pinto Bean Enchiladas + Apple Cherry CrispHave you planned your Easter menu yet? &nbsp;If not, don't fret. &nbsp;You see, this mama <i><b>just </b></i>realized Easter was approaching this weekend. <br /><br />Yep, I learned when our middle daughter said earlier this week: "<i>Sarah told me that the Easter Bunny comes in 6 days</i>". <br />I replied: "<i>oh. yes. that's right.</i>"... <br /><br />But my mind was saying:&nbsp;"w<i>haaat, eek!</i>"<br /><br />After my brief moment of panic, I got a few ideas together for our Easter weekend. &nbsp;And though I haven't entirely planned my own menu, I thought I'd offer up some lesa-traditional recipes for your own Easter dinner (and possibly my own)!<br /><br />Why not try my "<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Avocado &amp; Pinto Bean Enchildas</span></b>" from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1551522241?tag=dreenaburtonc-20&amp;camp=14573&amp;creative=327641&amp;linkCode=as1&amp;creativeASIN=1551522241&amp;adid=0JZJ3N4G6RZDG0THJ7Q3&amp;&amp;ref-refURL=http%3A%2F%2Fvivelevegan.blogspot.ca%2F">eat, drink &amp; be vegan</a>, as a main dish:<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JElQPJh51l4/T33V823QLlI/AAAAAAAADuw/T01dWq9xUrk/s1600/DSC_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JElQPJh51l4/T33V823QLlI/AAAAAAAADuw/T01dWq9xUrk/s400/DSC_0002.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: <a href="http://kitchenambition.blogspot.ca/">kitchenambition.blogspot.ca</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SJVdjrGtKB8/T33XF76PCjI/AAAAAAAADu4/5gfXV41aMbs/s1600/DSC_0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SJVdjrGtKB8/T33XF76PCjI/AAAAAAAADu4/5gfXV41aMbs/s400/DSC_0003.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />For sides, you could make a simple batch of brown rice or roasted potatoes (or sweet potatoes), along with a salad dressed with "<b>Cumin-Cinnamon Vinaigrette" </b>(also from ed&amp;bv). <br /><br />For dessert, something easy and light, such as my "<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Apple-Cherry Crisp</span></b>" from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1551521067?tag=dreenaburtonc-20&amp;camp=14573&amp;creative=327641&amp;linkCode=as1&amp;creativeASIN=1551521067&amp;adid=0BGYRN4NYVXM8E4CSCQC&amp;&amp;ref-refURL=http%3A%2F%2Fvivelevegan.blogspot.ca%2F">The Everyday Vegan</a>:<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-chKV4EF9PfU/T33XZuepdrI/AAAAAAAADvA/WKsvhXHozSw/s1600/apple-cherry-crisp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-chKV4EF9PfU/T33XZuepdrI/AAAAAAAADvA/WKsvhXHozSw/s1600/apple-cherry-crisp.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo credit: vegfamily.ca</td></tr></tbody></table>I recently made this crisp with an "<b>Apple-Mango-Pear</b>" adaptation, and it was wonderful:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6GZXUJ6ejU0/T33dOqb-sGI/AAAAAAAADvo/CAjWvnYe2c4/s1600/IMG_7117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6GZXUJ6ejU0/T33dOqb-sGI/AAAAAAAADvo/CAjWvnYe2c4/s400/IMG_7117.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Pair the crisp with a non-dairy vanilla ice cream, and you have a dessert fit to please your crew!<br /><br />I have posted the recipes for <a href="http://viveleveganrecipes.blogspot.ca/2012/04/avocado-pinto-bean-enchiladas.html">the enchiladas</a> and <a href="http://viveleveganrecipes.blogspot.ca/2012/04/apple-cherry-crisp.html">crisp</a> for you to enjoy this Easter - or anytime. <br /><br /><i>So, tell me, have you planned your Easter dinner yet?</i><br /><br />(p.s. Update on posting the list of edits for LTEV, I will do so and <a href="http://vivelevegan.blogspot.ca/2012/04/update-let-them-eat-vegan-release-date.html">update it in my earlier post</a>. &nbsp;Check back in a day or two for the link. &nbsp;Thanks.)Dreenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16551890320761504899noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19150019.post-63210073513819531722012-04-04T15:31:00.001-07:002012-04-06T08:56:22.026-07:00UPDATE! Let Them Eat Vegan - Release Date!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><b>Update: Errata <a href="http://cookingwithdreena.blogspot.ca/2012/04/let-them-eat-vegan-errata-first.html">now published</a>.</b></span><br /><br />Hello my friends, thank you for hanging in with me for news on the revised printing of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0738215619/ref=as_li_tf_til?tag=dreenaburtonc-20&amp;camp=14573&amp;creative=327641&amp;linkCode=as1&amp;creativeASIN=0738215619&amp;adid=0RT0ZW59K46REKZ85NP0&amp;&amp;ref-refURL=http%3A%2F%2Fvivelevegan.blogspot.ca%2F">Let Them Eat Vegan</a>. <br /><br />At last, I can tell you that the official release date is <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">May 1st!</span></b>&nbsp; Hurrah!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yfOXGNAL-ac/T3zLQQ2dSLI/AAAAAAAADuo/0joDvruuxvY/s1600/LTEVcover!.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yfOXGNAL-ac/T3zLQQ2dSLI/AAAAAAAADuo/0joDvruuxvY/s320/LTEVcover!.jpeg" width="257" /></a></div><br /><i>Any one that currently has a copy of LTEV, if you would like to exchange it for the new printing, you will have that option. &nbsp;You can return it to the place of purchase, as accounts have been made aware and should honor return/replacement requests.</i><br /><br />I will be back to announce a new <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><b>"Buy-On" promotion program and date</b></span> - if you can just hold on a little longer. <br /><br />Thank you, and I truly hope to make the wait well worth it.Dreenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16551890320761504899noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19150019.post-9797683661618385972012-03-31T12:46:00.002-07:002012-03-31T12:48:39.572-07:00The Making Of DJ's Hummus Salad Dressing<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Last summer I shared a recipe with you for "<a href="http://vivelevegan.blogspot.ca/search?q=hummus+salad+dressing">DJ's Hummus Salad Dressing"</a>. &nbsp;The recipe made its way into <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Let-Them-Eat-Vegan-Plant-Powered/dp/0738215619/ref=pd_sim_b_2">Let Them Eat Vegan</a>, and today I decided to remind to make this scrumptious salad dressing through a video:</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/OVpPfPegQTY" width="560"></iframe></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">One note: &nbsp;I did forget to mention adding dijon mustard to the blend, but <a href="http://viveleveganrecipes.blogspot.ca/2011/09/dreenas-hummus-salad-dressing.html">as you can see in the recipe</a>, it's there!</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>p.s.</b> &nbsp;This recipe was originally titled simply "Hummus Salad Dressing". &nbsp;I figured since the recipe was inspired by Trader Joe's (TJ's), I would modify the name. &nbsp;<i>Can you guess what the "J" stands for?</i> &nbsp;:)</span>Dreenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16551890320761504899noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19150019.post-64956876156789992082012-03-26T10:59:00.000-07:002012-03-26T10:59:49.054-07:00Meeting Dr. Neal Barnard!Yesterday was pretty special for me. &nbsp;I met and talked with <a href="http://www.nealbarnard.org/">Dr. Barnard</a> for the first time! &nbsp;Let's set the scene, shall we?...<br /><br />I knew he was coming to town to do a couple of talks, one at Whole Foods. &nbsp;In fact, I learned about it through my contact (<a href="http://www.pcrm.org/media/experts/bios/jill-eckart-chhc">Jill Eckart</a>) with <a href="http://www.pcrm.org/">PCRM</a> since I was working on recipes for the April Kickstart program. &nbsp;As the weekend approached I e-mailed Jill asking if I might be able to grab a few minutes to meet Dr. Barnard before his talk. &nbsp;I had no idea how busy it might be, and feared I might not get to talk with him at all. &nbsp;She forwarded my message on to the good doctor. &nbsp;Later that day I received a note directly from Dr. Barnard saying he would be happy to meet and thanking me for my work on the Kickstart! &nbsp;(oh happy day!)<br /><br />So, the whole family got ready to head into the city Sunday after lunch. &nbsp;We don't live downtown, so it's a bit of a trek with the three kiddos. &nbsp;But, I wanted everyone there to see his talk, and also - I needed someone to take a picture, ha! <br /><br />When Neal said to come a little early, I think he meant 5-10 minutes early. &nbsp;We showed up 45 minutes early! &nbsp;But that's me. &nbsp;I freak out if I'm a little late for things, so err on the side of very early. &nbsp;His talk was at 3pm, and I was pushing us out the door at 1:15. &nbsp;Well, we used the time to pick up some much-needed groceries. &nbsp;But, my word, Whole Foods was insanely busy at 2pm! &nbsp;What you might not know about me is that I greatly dislike shopping (of any kind) at peak times of the day. &nbsp;Clothes shopping, grocery shopping - anything... I like to get out before noon while it is peaceful. &nbsp;I enjoy the calm and clarity of open aisles and quiet areas. &nbsp;Probably because I am so naturally hyped-up that it is too much stimulation to shop when stores and busy and crowded.<br /><br />We start shopping, but I also zipped off to scout out where Neal would be talking. &nbsp;What I didn't know was that our 2 1/2 year old was wailing while I was off. &nbsp;She is a 'mama's girl', so even though hubby and the girls were with her, she bawled. &nbsp;So, I hung with the family and shopped more until it got closer to 3pm. &nbsp;But not too close. &nbsp;(Remember, I must be early.) &nbsp;So, by 2:40 I was back at the location where Dr. Barnard would be talking. &nbsp;They were still setting up chairs. &nbsp;Yes, I was early. <br /><br />Finally, around 2:50, I see Dr. Barnard making his way through the doors. &nbsp;Now, I did not know how much time he would have before and after his talk. &nbsp;So, once he got within a foot of the speaking area, I pounced! &nbsp;Oh dear, I jumped right in front of him and introduced myself. &nbsp;I think I might have scared him a little. &nbsp;I mean, I was just so overexcited! &nbsp;(And now realizing I had a similar reaction seeing <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platinum_Blonde_(band)">Platinum Blonde</a> go into Hotel Newfoundland after their concert when I was 14. "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCfEAzeLP-w">Crying Over You</a>"!) &nbsp;This time I'm not (as) embarrassed by my reaction.<br /><br />Anyhow, we talked very briefly and then I asked for a picture. &nbsp;Our eldest (who has also been doing my recent <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/DreenaBurton?feature=watch">YouTube cooking videos</a>) ran up and started snapping. &nbsp;I think Neal might have felt like he was on the red carpet! &nbsp;She snapped away. &nbsp;This one is from her ipod, so a little grainy:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FRduKtumrjY/T3CqDS_8D-I/AAAAAAAADtw/ESlG4rmh3mE/s1600/IMG_1296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FRduKtumrjY/T3CqDS_8D-I/AAAAAAAADtw/ESlG4rmh3mE/s400/IMG_1296.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>And then, I said "<i><b>can I get you to sign your book before your talk?</b></i>". &nbsp; Again, I didn't know how much time I'd get with him, so I grabbed my well-worn copy of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Food-Life-Four-Groups-Save/dp/0517882019/ref=sr_1_9?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1332768682&amp;sr=1-9">Food for Life</a> for him to sign.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m2qDWEURHeE/T3B2PqB9GGI/AAAAAAAADtg/MvzF-fuZR7s/s1600/IMG_6938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m2qDWEURHeE/T3B2PqB9GGI/AAAAAAAADtg/MvzF-fuZR7s/s400/IMG_6938.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I also brought a new copy of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1551522241?tag=dreenaburtonc-20&amp;camp=14573&amp;creative=327641&amp;linkCode=as1&amp;creativeASIN=1551522241&amp;adid=0Z25YNH4JH82425SK8N8&amp;&amp;ref-refURL=http%3A%2F%2Fvivelevegan.blogspot.ca%2F">eat, drink &amp; be vegan</a>, since he wrote the foreword to that book. &nbsp;Again, my little photographer snapped away!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0UE2mPBXLc0/T3B2I1kLl_I/AAAAAAAADtY/Mc3L2i6P5aY/s1600/IMG_6941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0UE2mPBXLc0/T3B2I1kLl_I/AAAAAAAADtY/Mc3L2i6P5aY/s400/IMG_6941.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br />Dr. Barnard looked confused at first when I gave him my cookbook to sign. &nbsp;But I said "<i><b>well, it might be my book, but it's your foreword, and I want this one for the vault</b></i>". &nbsp;Greedy me. :) <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hslFydhMk64/T3BzdURXIkI/AAAAAAAADtI/imCWOVcSaNM/s1600/IMG_6936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hslFydhMk64/T3BzdURXIkI/AAAAAAAADtI/imCWOVcSaNM/s400/IMG_6936.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We enjoyed his talk. &nbsp;He connects with the crowd and relates with personal stories. &nbsp;One of my favorite stories was him discussing his mother's journey to eating vegan. &nbsp;He explained how she wasn't making any dietary changes for years, even after he had written 15 books! &nbsp;He'd talk to her about her cholesterol, and switching to plant-based foods - but nothing. &nbsp;Until, her own doctor saw some improvements in her cholesterol after she experimented for a few weeks. &nbsp;And THEN, she was convinced and made permanent changes. &nbsp;He joked about being the 3rd born child, and so it didn't matter what he said, the message had to come from someone else. &nbsp;My husband looked at me after and said "<i>Dreena, you only need to write 11 more books to get your mom on board</i>". &nbsp;Funny. &nbsp;But, it's true what Dr. Barnard said - sometimes the message has to come from an 'unbiased' source, and usually in a time of personal health crisis.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2K0vCfj2cDI/T3CuEr9epWI/AAAAAAAADt4/S5x8jwOXJE0/s1600/IMG_6943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2K0vCfj2cDI/T3CuEr9epWI/AAAAAAAADt4/S5x8jwOXJE0/s320/IMG_6943.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Just before wrapping up his talk, Dr. Barnard introduced me to the audience. <b>&nbsp;O.M.G.</b>&nbsp;But, here's the best part: &nbsp;He said "<i><b>I want to introduce you all to Dreena Burton. &nbsp;Dreena has some incredible recipes - Dreena, do you have one of your cookbooks there?</b></i>" (he DID sign ed&amp;bv after all). &nbsp;But, hubby had taken all our things down to the car, so I didn't have it to show the crowd! &nbsp;argh! &nbsp;Never mind, it was such a proud moment for me, I was so overwhelmed I didn't really care about showcasing my books.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I said a brief good-bye to Dr. Barnard, and then allowed other people to talk to him. ;) &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What a memorable experience. &nbsp;I feel so fortunate to connect with him personally after so many years following his work and what PCRM does to promote healthy vegan eating. &nbsp;For those of you in Vancouver, Dr. Barnard will also be speaking at the <a href="http://www.pcrm.org/about/about/upcoming-events">Roundhouse Community Centre tonight</a>. &nbsp;Don't miss your chance to hear him, meet him - and bring out your inner goof!</div>Dreenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16551890320761504899noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19150019.post-14697934828165232532012-03-19T08:17:00.002-07:002012-03-19T08:28:12.113-07:00News! PCRM's 21-Day Kickstart!I haven't posted for a while, because I thought I'd be ready to launch my new website. &nbsp;With <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0738215619/ref=as_li_tf_til?tag=dreenaburtonc-20&amp;camp=14573&amp;creative=327641&amp;linkCode=as1&amp;creativeASIN=0738215619&amp;adid=0975K2SPK9RDXCYZ43EC&amp;&amp;ref-refURL=http%3A%2F%2Fvivelevegan.blogspot.ca%2F">Let Them Eat Vegan</a> in reprint (details soon), I've decided to continue developing the new site.<br /><div><br /></div><div>For now, I'm hanging in with my little blog for just a while longer, and have some exciting news today!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>I am now a recipe contributor</b> for <a href="http://www.21daykickstart.org/">PCRM’s 21-Day Kickstart</a>! &nbsp;My recipes will appear in the Spring Kickstart program, which - kicks off! - on <b>April 2nd.</b></div><div><br /></div><div>I am <i>so</i> excited about this opportunity. &nbsp;From my very early days as a vegan and writing cookbooks I followed <a href="http://www.pcrm.org/">PCRM </a>and referred people to their site. &nbsp;And, <a href="http://www.nealbarnard.org/">Dr. Barnard</a> wrote the foreword to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1551522241?tag=dreenaburtonc-20&amp;camp=14573&amp;creative=327641&amp;linkCode=as1&amp;creativeASIN=1551522241&amp;adid=1X3ETQ8FEYR6XCYP4K7P&amp;&amp;ref-refURL=http%3A%2F%2Fvivelevegan.blogspot.ca%2F">eat, drink &amp; be vegan</a>, for which I will always be grateful. &nbsp;So, it is an absolute&nbsp;honor and privilege to contribute recipes to their program. &nbsp;If you aren't familiar with PCRM's Kickstart, <a href="http://www.21daykickstart.org/">link to find out more</a>.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4cZHGyCcviE/T2dI05zD4nI/AAAAAAAADs4/MZ39IdU9oJI/s1600/lemonchickpealentilsouppic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4cZHGyCcviE/T2dI05zD4nI/AAAAAAAADs4/MZ39IdU9oJI/s400/lemonchickpealentilsouppic.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lemon Chickpea Lentil Soup<br />photo credit: <a href="http://www.prideandvegudice.com/">Nora Kuby</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div>And, speaking of recipes, I just recently added some to my recipes page. &nbsp;Link through to find <b><a href="http://viveleveganrecipes.blogspot.ca/2012/03/rawesome-nut-dip.html">Rawesome Nut Dip</a></b>, <b><a href="http://viveleveganrecipes.blogspot.ca/2012/03/spicoli-burgers.html">Spicoli Burgers</a></b>, and <b><a href="http://viveleveganrecipes.blogspot.ca/2012/03/lemon-chickpea-lentil-soup.html">Lemon Chickpea Lentil Soup</a></b>. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>All plant-powered, all delicious!</div>Dreenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16551890320761504899noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19150019.post-40033549471231848412012-03-03T10:40:00.002-08:002012-03-09T20:00:15.176-08:00Ever Have a Friend...I think I am getting sentimental as I say goodbye to my little blog. &nbsp;I'll be switching over to my new domain soon (details coming). &nbsp;As I wind down this chapter, I am feeling reflective - and appreciative.<br /><br />This may be the last signifcant-content post on my blog, and I want to talk about friendship. &nbsp;Told you I'm feeling sentimental. &nbsp;"<i>Talk amongst yourselves</i>"! ;)<br /><br />I have two long-time, close buddies, Tanya and Vicki. &nbsp;Many of you know have heard Vicki's name - I've mentioned her a <a href="http://vivelevegan.blogspot.com/2011/08/mercury-retrograde-recipe-testing.html">few</a> <a href="http://vivelevegan.blogspot.com/2006/04/lemon-herb-tofu-sandwiches.html">times</a> <a href="http://vivelevegan.blogspot.com/2010/10/at-40-im-quoting-jessica-simpson.html">on my blog</a>, and we chat on fb (a lot)!&nbsp; You know she's a friend, but what you don't know is <i>how</i> much she is there for me. <br /><br />She is not just a mommy gal-pal. &nbsp;That she is. &nbsp;We share experiences about motherhood and trials and tribulations (read: we vent almost daily)! &nbsp;She is also vegan and her children are vegan, so we have plenty of food discussions. &nbsp;I have known her for quite a few years now. &nbsp;We met a long time ago in pregnancy yoga! &nbsp;We were having our first babes together, my first babe just a few months older than hers.<br /><br />Our friendship developed as new moms, and she has also has three children. &nbsp;What most of you don't know is that Vicki was also my doula for two of my pregnancies and births. &nbsp;She helped me bring two of my daughters into our family. &nbsp;Yep, she has seen my highs. &nbsp;And lows. &nbsp;And everything in between. &nbsp;Even my nether regions. &nbsp;lol and tmi! &nbsp;And, like any true friend we have had our sticky times. &nbsp;Only makes us stronger for it.<br /><br />These past couple of months have been strange and trying. &nbsp;Here I am about to launch a cookbook that has been almost four years in the making. &nbsp;I should be entirely excited and full of joy. &nbsp;But, my enthusiasm has been tempered with the fact that my mom in Newfoundland has been in awful pain and lacking mobility for the last few months (and just had surgery this past week), and one of my sisters (also living away) is going through a difficult time. &nbsp;So, while I want to be all silly happy... I am preoccupied and worried. &nbsp;Hubby can only take so much of my emotional soup! &nbsp;That's when friends step in to help simmer that pot about to boil over. &nbsp;Two friends have really helped me through these months - as usual, Vicki has been a star.<br /><br />And, what is crazy about this gal is she seems to be <i>just</i> as interested and excited in my books and career projects as<i> I </i>am! &nbsp;Always interested in book and career developments - and always wants to help. &nbsp;And, she does... she is clev-ah!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>So, today I am thanking my buddy Vicki. &nbsp;It's not enough to just tell you on the phone or in a card, V. &nbsp;I am shouting it from my blog! &nbsp;For all the lovely people reading - and the trolls too! &nbsp;Thank you for being there these past months - and always.<br /><br /><i>Ever have a friend that is always there for you?</i> &nbsp;I give you my blog to share your thanks and shout your love! &nbsp;Leave your sappy comment - I shouldn't be alone in this! &nbsp;:)<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">♥ </span>to you Vicki. &nbsp;Thank you.Dreenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16551890320761504899noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19150019.post-53099137397882353282012-03-01T06:58:00.000-08:002012-03-01T06:58:32.944-08:00Why I Don't Blog My ChildrenI've been thinking about this post for a long time. &nbsp;Probably as long as I've been blogging (which is a long time now). &nbsp;After being part of the "Circle of Moms" contest last month, it really hit home how much I <i>talk</i> about my girls - but never show you who they are. &nbsp;Well, there's a reason.<br /><br />We hadn't yet started a family with the release of my first cookbook (The Everyday Vegan) - but had our first baby shortly after. &nbsp;By the time my second cookbook (Vive le Vegan) was published, our daughter was 2 1/2. &nbsp;As many of you know, she is on the cover of that book and inside in some family photos. &nbsp;So, it might seem odd that I haven't shared other photos of our girls since.<br /><br />Once I started blogging and my profile as an author increased, hubby and I talked about this issue. &nbsp;I decided that I didn't want to continue to show photos of our girls (as our family was expanding). &nbsp;It's not that I don't want to share them with you. &nbsp;I'd <i>love to</i>. &nbsp;And, I'm not critical of other bloggers that do share their family moments. &nbsp;It's just not right for me, for a few reasons....<br /><br />First, and this is most unusual to say, but when I was a child we had a voyeur (or what we called a 'peeping tom') at our house, for many years. &nbsp;While we joke about it at times as adults, as a kid it was no joke. &nbsp;I won't go into details but it's enough to say that an experience like that doesn't ever leave you. &nbsp;I never assume that a house is safe because of a particular neighbourhood, or that a blog is friendly because of the people you know reading it. &nbsp;Because there are many you don't know. &nbsp;Sounds paranoid, I get that. &nbsp;But, it's part of the reason I keep my children largely anonymous on my blog - at least until they have grown and gained more maturity and independence.<br /><br />Second, I guess I have felt that this is my journey, not theirs. &nbsp;I am a cookbook author, they are kids. &nbsp;I don't want their lives to be about "being on mommy's blog", or "being on the internet"... children don't understand the depth and breadth of the internet. &nbsp;I know for my own daughters - they think that if they are on the internet, they are "famous". &nbsp;I don't want their self-worth to be attached to my work. &nbsp;And, I also want to separate my girls from my work so that my recipes stand on their own. &nbsp;I started writing recipes before having children, and though I've evolved greatly due to my role as a mother, I still want my recipes to be about healthy food (whether for adults, kids, or both) that is damn delicious!<br /><br />Third, I don't have everything figured out as a mother - or an individual. &nbsp;I am learning along the way, like everyone else. &nbsp;<b>Yes,</b> I'd LOVE to show you photos of my toddler in her cute pj's and mussy hair, and our middle girls with the biggest smile imaginable eating chocolate pudding, and our eldest with the biggest smile ever eating strawberries, and all the beautiful moments of joy, love, play, excitement, innocence, pure beauty in between. &nbsp;How I would LOVE to share that. &nbsp;<b>But</b> - I wouldn't also be sharing the&nbsp;sucky, painful, and frustrating moments. &nbsp;The times I am completely and utterly overwhelmed as a mother - or feel like I am messing everything up. &nbsp;The fights between the girls, the times I've shouted and screamed, or sobbed or felt enraged. &nbsp;The postpartum days and months to follow that are gruelling and lonely and sometimes depressing... and for me led to lengthy bouts of insomnia. &nbsp;The endless cleaning and mess - and seemingly endless bickering! &nbsp;The times I think I'm royally messing everything up as a mother and screwing up my children. &nbsp;The individual challenges we have with each child, and with ourselves in parenting these children. &nbsp;The parts of my life as a mom that are far from perfect. &nbsp;Yes, I realize we want to see the perfect, the beautiful, the fantasized family moments. &nbsp;But, any mom will tell you that just isn't real life. &nbsp;Yet when we look at those images elsewhere we have brief thoughts that "oh <i>they</i> have it figured out". &nbsp;None of us do, it's only part of the picture. &nbsp;I feel blessed in my life. &nbsp;Blessed to have my family, my husband, and our children. &nbsp;I am grateful for them everyday. &nbsp;Yet, life with children isn't one-dimensional, and I don't want to present it as such.<br /><br />So, there. &nbsp;If you've wondered '<i>why doesn't Dreena show photos of her kidlets?</i>' - there's your answer. &nbsp;It's a very personal feeling; I am not judging or criticizing other moms blogging their children - just doesn't sit right for me. <br /><br />If you are a mom and reading, I'd love to hear from you. &nbsp;Or, if you're not a mom and reading and have thoughts on this, would love to hear form you too. <br /><br />With that I hit 'publish' (with some trepidation). &nbsp;Thanks for understanding, and for being part of my readership. &nbsp;xx'sDreenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16551890320761504899noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19150019.post-44978443685032479632012-02-28T10:11:00.007-08:002012-02-29T17:31:34.349-08:00Baked Better Bread Mixes (win!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xSEaRV7UwZQ/T0z1Pnzt8dI/AAAAAAAADqg/ar9LSphBpb8/s1600/bakedbetterlogo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="80" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xSEaRV7UwZQ/T0z1Pnzt8dI/AAAAAAAADqg/ar9LSphBpb8/s320/bakedbetterlogo.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://bakedbetter.com/">Baked Better</a> is a&nbsp;young Brooklyn-based company that makes bread mixes. &nbsp;Not like the ones you've seen collecting dust in the grocery store. &nbsp;These bread&nbsp;mixes are special, because they are <b>vegan, organic, preservative-free, sugar-free </b>and <b>whole-grain</b>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M85jDQjBP08/T0z1UrdoGjI/AAAAAAAADqo/bIjz2v2eKhM/s1600/bakedbetterphoto2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M85jDQjBP08/T0z1UrdoGjI/AAAAAAAADqo/bIjz2v2eKhM/s400/bakedbetterphoto2.jpg" width="389" /></a></div><br />The company began with two friends who shared a passion for baking and&nbsp;eating healthy. After years of&nbsp;baking homemade bread for their friends and family in New York, they wanted to bring bread-baking back to the home cook's kitchen - by making it <i><b>easy</b></i>. &nbsp;And they have, because all you have to add is water - and some loving stirring!<br /><br />It's that simple! &nbsp;And still healthy. &nbsp;Their custom mixes include <a href="http://bakedbetter.com/shop/#ecwid:category=0&amp;mode=product&amp;product=6449692">Cobble Hill Crave</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http:/">Park Slope Staple</a>, and <a href="http://bakedbetter.com/shop/#ecwid:category=0&amp;mode=product&amp;product=6449683">Dumbo Delicious</a>.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nVR4aT6nBeY/T0z1lIuXHiI/AAAAAAAADqw/h4pp0kUIoVk/s1600/bakedbetterphoto3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nVR4aT6nBeY/T0z1lIuXHiI/AAAAAAAADqw/h4pp0kUIoVk/s400/bakedbetterphoto3.jpg" width="388" /></a></div><br />So, let's add this up. &nbsp;<a href="http://bakedbetter.com/">Baked Better</a> makes bread mixes that are:<br />1) easy for YOU to make<br />2) are organic, vegan, and whole-grain (think this gets three points!)<br />5) it easy for you to try...<br /><br />because, yes, Baked Better has joined my 'countdown to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0738215619/ref=as_li_tf_til?tag=dreenaburtonc-20&amp;camp=14573&amp;creative=327641&amp;linkCode=as1&amp;creativeASIN=0738215619&amp;adid=1RC1BNDCAYT2ANH14WYH&amp;&amp;ref-refURL=http%3A%2F%2Fvivelevegan.blogspot.com%2F">LTEV</a> giveaways'! &nbsp;They are offering one of you the chance to win a "Baker's Pack" that includes <i><b>one of each variety of their organic bread mixes</b></i> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">and</span> <i><b>a Cuisinart nonstick loaf pan</b></i>. &nbsp;Wow!<br /><br />Contest is open to residents of US and Canada! Entries accepted until 8pm PST. &nbsp;To enter:<br />- "Like"my&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dreena-Burton/260878040651278">fb page</a>&nbsp;(if you haven't already).<br />- &nbsp;Then&nbsp;comment on my <b>fb page post</b> reading<b> "Baked Better Giveaway!"</b>.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">- &nbsp;For a&nbsp;<b>SECOND entry</b>,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/#!/dreenaburton">follow me on twitter</a>&nbsp;(if you haven't already) and then&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=http%3A%2F%2Fvivelevegan.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F02%2Fbaked-better-bread-mixes-win.html&amp;text=eat%2C+drink+%26+be+vegan%3A+Baked+Better+Bread+Mixes+%28win%21%29&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fvivelevegan.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F02%2Fbaked-better-bread-mixes-win.html%3Fspref%3Dtw">retweet this post</a>. &nbsp;Then, you can comment on fb a second time with the word "tweet".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1_fT6cWdE0c/T00ODMgQzzI/AAAAAAAADq4/J2rwLdojXXo/s1600/bakedbetterphoto4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1_fT6cWdE0c/T00ODMgQzzI/AAAAAAAADq4/J2rwLdojXXo/s400/bakedbetterphoto4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Also, be sure to visit <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Baked-Better/257527734278947">Baked Better's fb page</a>. They are having a&nbsp;"creative loaf contest" between now and March 31st for the person who comes up with the most creative loaf using a Baked Better organic bread mix. The winner gets a baker's pack! &nbsp;So 2 chances for you to win! &nbsp;Plus their fb page has <a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.307379022627151.78079.257527734278947&amp;type=3">photos of each step of the baking process</a> so you can see these mixes in action!&nbsp;</div>Dreenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16551890320761504899noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19150019.post-87520437702184398852012-02-20T18:24:00.110-08:002012-02-21T18:49:23.889-08:00Working Mom Images vs Real Life! (and brief blogging break)<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I have been logging a lot of computer hours lately. &nbsp;For good reason, as I'm working on my new website as well as some marketing details for the release of&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0738215619/ref=as_li_tf_til?tag=dreenaburtonc-20&amp;camp=14573&amp;creative=327641&amp;linkCode=as1&amp;creativeASIN=0738215619&amp;adid=022WCQ3W2M8CT6FVK14S&amp;&amp;ref-refURL=http%3A%2F%2Fvivelevegan.blogspot.com%2F">Let Them Eat Vegan</a>. &nbsp;(<i>reminder, if you haven't picked up a copy, if you can hold off and&nbsp;<u>mark your calendars for March 13th - please buy then</u>... details very soon</i>!)<br /><br />But funny, when I had a quick search for images of moms on computers and working from home, I came up with this:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A8YlqUhMuIs/T0OdDrO9pgI/AAAAAAAADoY/NP8edN9-U9c/s1600/momputer2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A8YlqUhMuIs/T0OdDrO9pgI/AAAAAAAADoY/NP8edN9-U9c/s320/momputer2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FY_Pqn9zYYY/T0OjSkrcNuI/AAAAAAAADpA/TySrZnBhrnE/s1600/momputer4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FY_Pqn9zYYY/T0OjSkrcNuI/AAAAAAAADpA/TySrZnBhrnE/s1600/momputer4.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MVJmPBaJQTo/T0Od3ZDC4sI/AAAAAAAADog/OtYYlCmwLWw/s1600/momputer3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MVJmPBaJQTo/T0Od3ZDC4sI/AAAAAAAADog/OtYYlCmwLWw/s320/momputer3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">and even THIS!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x-uZevbK5v0/T0OlDv7j67I/AAAAAAAADpI/GHdJgN1JhPc/s1600/mompumping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x-uZevbK5v0/T0OlDv7j67I/AAAAAAAADpI/GHdJgN1JhPc/s320/mompumping.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i>Really</i></b>?! &nbsp;Look how tidy their work spaces are! &nbsp;And these ladies - so fresh, perky, relaxed, yep they've <i>got it all</i> figured out.. &nbsp;I'm not even going to comment on the mother pumping her breast milk. &nbsp;<b>Come on</b>! &nbsp;This is not how moms at home work!!</div><i><br /></i><br /><i>THESE</i>&nbsp;more accurately represent how moms work...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E8LGMH6QlAU/T0Of6AZBwKI/AAAAAAAADoo/xAG9LsfHdtE/s1600/busymomputer2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E8LGMH6QlAU/T0Of6AZBwKI/AAAAAAAADoo/xAG9LsfHdtE/s320/busymomputer2.jpg" width="320" /></a>'</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xmdj9m6eSZw/T0OhGzYvprI/AAAAAAAADow/oor1hz0PJqs/s1600/busymomputer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xmdj9m6eSZw/T0OhGzYvprI/AAAAAAAADow/oor1hz0PJqs/s320/busymomputer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9b0qV1So7YU/T0OhN-jaiLI/AAAAAAAADo4/tEOg1sJAgu8/s1600/busymomputer3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9b0qV1So7YU/T0OhN-jaiLI/AAAAAAAADo4/tEOg1sJAgu8/s320/busymomputer3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>and, some of us have even been here:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1S9HMQqYJfc/T0OnLuErHVI/AAAAAAAADpQ/g4CzpQrzqSQ/s1600/momstressed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1S9HMQqYJfc/T0OnLuErHVI/AAAAAAAADpQ/g4CzpQrzqSQ/s320/momstressed.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>but, most days it's something like this...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BETU_VlbwE4/T0Onbzsk8uI/AAAAAAAADpY/J5D5SvmtLXU/s1600/momputer5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BETU_VlbwE4/T0Onbzsk8uI/AAAAAAAADpY/J5D5SvmtLXU/s1600/momputer5.jpg" /></a></div>Anyone relate?! &nbsp;Anyhow, this 'momputer' is taking a short pause from blogging to focus on these book and website details, but will be back asap with news and more giveaways!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><b>So tell me, fellow mamas - what photos are a glimpse of your day?!&nbsp;</b></i></div>Dreenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16551890320761504899noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19150019.post-29210596863934986342012-02-17T11:15:00.001-08:002012-03-05T13:53:10.770-08:00Amy's Giveaway!<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Update: Contest now closed, thank you.</span></b><br /><br />I've said it before. &nbsp;I'll say it again. &nbsp;The folks at&nbsp;<b><a href="http://www.amys.com/">Amy's</a>&nbsp;</b>are great - in fact they're Amy-zing!<br /><br />When they heard about my giveaway fun leading up to the launch of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0738215619/ref=as_li_tf_til?tag=dreenaburtonc-20&amp;camp=14573&amp;creative=327641&amp;linkCode=as1&amp;creativeASIN=0738215619&amp;adid=1H6D50R4GPKDGJSXDDED&amp;&amp;ref-refURL=http%3A%2F%2Fvivelevegan.blogspot.com%2F">Let Them Eat Vegan</a>, they offered<i> another</i> giveaway (third time)!<br /><br />One of you will receive these prizes:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-123jMkehMRY/Tll7ngF2_BI/AAAAAAAADMo/20xUgGEDdDw/s1600/lean_shirt_front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-123jMkehMRY/Tll7ngF2_BI/AAAAAAAADMo/20xUgGEDdDw/s1600/lean_shirt_front.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>a t-shirt!, and...</b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SpIwc7HUQqQ/Tll7JCkciPI/AAAAAAAADMc/stdR73noRWA/s1600/magnets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SpIwc7HUQqQ/Tll7JCkciPI/AAAAAAAADMc/stdR73noRWA/s1600/magnets.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>&nbsp;this adorable magnet set... and</b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ryV4NJQNFTk/Tll7BXNykqI/AAAAAAAADMY/1J-a9uMurIg/s1600/lunch_tote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ryV4NJQNFTk/Tll7BXNykqI/AAAAAAAADMY/1J-a9uMurIg/s1600/lunch_tote.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>a lunch bag with...</b></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kg2DKrAfpZg/TlmQ3WsBXPI/AAAAAAAADM0/AXREQPjN9CU/s1600/cutlery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kg2DKrAfpZg/TlmQ3WsBXPI/AAAAAAAADM0/AXREQPjN9CU/s1600/cutlery.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>cutlery set! &nbsp;and...</b></td></tr></tbody></table><u><br /></u></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oyW1o3UYCqk/Tll7h3NRtnI/AAAAAAAADMk/MXnW8UQCqDg/s1600/pedometer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oyW1o3UYCqk/Tll7h3NRtnI/AAAAAAAADMk/MXnW8UQCqDg/s1600/pedometer.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>a pedometer! PLUS...</b></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">PRODUCT COUPONS</span>!</b> &nbsp;Wow!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Contest is open to residents of the US and Canada. &nbsp;To enter...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1) "Like"my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dreena-Burton/260878040651278">fb page</a> (if you haven't already).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2) &nbsp;Then <b>comment on my fb page post reading "Amy's Giveaway"</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3) For a <b>SECOND entry</b>, <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/dreenaburton">follow me on twitter</a> (if you haven't already) and then <a href="http://www.blogger.com/eat,%20drink%20&amp;%20be%20vegan:%20Amy's%20Giveaway!%20http://vivelevegan.blogspot.com/2012/02/amys-giveaway.html%20via%20@dreenaburton">retweet this post</a>. &nbsp;Then, you can comment on fb a second time with the word "tweet". &nbsp;</div><br />Thank you <a href="http://www.amys.com/">Amy's Kitchen</a>! &nbsp;Good luck guys!Dreenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16551890320761504899noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19150019.post-53025963469043093822012-02-15T11:28:00.000-08:002012-02-16T18:37:04.769-08:00Recipe: Sesame Lime Soba Noodles with Snow Peas and Shiitake MushroomsAfter a day indulging in chocolate and other Valentine's treats, perhaps you're looking for a dinner that is bright, lively, energizing, and 'clean'.<br /><br />These&nbsp;<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Sesame Lime Soba Noodles</span></b>&nbsp;are just what this vegan mama ordered!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VvU4rU4dTjo/TzwGaGgjO8I/AAAAAAAADnA/xRgmFVGwyNs/s1600/sesamelimesobanoodles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="190" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VvU4rU4dTjo/TzwGaGgjO8I/AAAAAAAADnA/xRgmFVGwyNs/s400/sesamelimesobanoodles.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sesame Lime Soba Noodles with Shiitake Mushrooms and Snow Peas (photo credit: alive magazine)</td></tr></tbody></table>&nbsp;(Well, I wish I <b><i>could </i></b>order them - today of all days... I'll spare you the mama details.)<br /><br /><b>Soba noodles</b> are made from buckwheat flour, but are sometimes combined with other flours like <a href="http://www.sobaya.ca/kamtorg.htm">kamut</a>, or wheat. &nbsp;The noodles are tender and not gummy, and usually very digestible. &nbsp;Here, they are tossed with a quick saute of <b>shiitake mushrooms</b> and <b>fresh snow</b> peas in a light, <b>Asian-inspired sauce</b> with a good dose of sprightly, fresh&nbsp;<b>lime juice</b>.<br /><br />It is an easy meal to prepare, will liven up your palate, and give you a boost - at a time of the year when we really need it.<br /><br />This recipe is from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1551522241?tag=dreenaburtonc-20&amp;camp=14573&amp;creative=327641&amp;linkCode=as1&amp;creativeASIN=1551522241&amp;adid=0Z3151S0GX1Z92V4N5CD&amp;&amp;ref-refURL=http%3A%2F%2Fvivelevegan.blogspot.com%2F">eat, drink &amp; be vegan</a>, but I have <a href="http://viveleveganrecipes.blogspot.com/2012/02/sesame-lime-soba-noodles-with-shiitake.html">just posted it for you</a>. &nbsp;Enjoy!<br /><br /><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Are YOU cooking anything special today to reinvigorate your body and senses?</span></i></b>Dreenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16551890320761504899noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19150019.post-19597787536280171582012-02-14T10:19:00.000-08:002012-02-14T17:44:16.308-08:00I ♥ You: Valentine's Snack Plate<i>Before I talk Valentines, this is the last time I ask for your <a href="http://www.circleofmoms.com/top25/top-vegan-vegetarian-mom-blogs-2012?trk=t25_top-vegan-vegetarian-mom-blogs-2012"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">votes in the Circle of Moms contest</span></a>. <b>&nbsp;Thank heavens</b> says you - and me! Too bad this vegan mama of three didn't pull up, but I would have needed some 'divine <strike>inter</strike>ellenvention' to do so. For those of you that were sharing and retweeting and trying to bring in more votes, you know I'm appreciative, and just sorry I couldn't do more. &nbsp;</i><br />-------------------------------------------<br />Now on to Valentine's...<br /><br />Valentine's isn't just a day for romantic love. &nbsp;And for me, it's the personal days between couples that are most significant - anniversaries, birthdays, and for mothers - mother's day. Those are the days to show your darling that they are treasured. <br /><br />For me, Valentine's is more playful. &nbsp;It's about showing love to <i><u>anyone</u></i> we want. &nbsp;And I wanted to show our girls how much I love them with this.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GHzz0F6m7Yg/TzqgehCWIpI/AAAAAAAADl4/7V0tELhIis8/s1600/IMG_6422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GHzz0F6m7Yg/TzqgehCWIpI/AAAAAAAADl4/7V0tELhIis8/s400/IMG_6422.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's a <b><u>Valentine's Snack Plate</u></b>. &nbsp;This would be so much fun for a children's party. &nbsp;Healthy finger-food snacking that is as delicious as it is pretty - and just so easy! &nbsp;<b>Popcorn</b> surrounding <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Cocoa Cookie Dough Balls</span>,</b> with <b>goji berries</b> in the centre. &nbsp;I wanted something red or pink for the middle, and because I had no fresh berries (and organic <b>strawberries </b>and <b>raspberries </b>are either hard to find or prohibitively expensive), I opted for goji berries. &nbsp;But, you could use <b>cranberries</b>, or dried <b>strawberries</b>, or <b>fresh grapes</b>, or even <b>clementines</b>. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iFfrDQQtAEA/Tzqkshg1ypI/AAAAAAAADmQ/UaHtdAAurlE/s1600/IMG_6429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iFfrDQQtAEA/Tzqkshg1ypI/AAAAAAAADmQ/UaHtdAAurlE/s400/IMG_6429.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />These<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">&nbsp;Cocoa Cookie Dough Balls</span> </b>are quickly catching on with my family and friends. &nbsp;They take minutes to make, and have no added sweeteners - AND they can be made for school lunches with a nut-free option. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WGZyoX1d9t4/Tyvq-QIeHaI/AAAAAAAADi4/Kq6l-5Ku2eA/s1600/LTEVcover%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WGZyoX1d9t4/Tyvq-QIeHaI/AAAAAAAADi4/Kq6l-5Ku2eA/s200/LTEVcover%2521.jpg" width="161" /></a></div><br />They can be found in my new book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0738215619/ref=as_li_tf_til?tag=dreenaburtonc-20&amp;camp=14573&amp;creative=327641&amp;linkCode=as1&amp;creativeASIN=0738215619&amp;adid=0SYN1AXJJ2KBN5FBQVCC&amp;&amp;ref-refURL=http%3A%2F%2Fvivelevegan.blogspot.com%2F">Let Them Eat Vegan</a>. &nbsp;If you are planning to purchase LTEV, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><u>please do so on March 13th</u> </span>- details to follow.<br /><br />For another Valentine's dessert, try <a href="http://vivelevegan.blogspot.com/2012/02/valentines-recipe-threes-company-pie.html">my recipe for "Three's Company Pie"</a>. &nbsp;<b><i>What are YOU doing or making for Valentine's?</i></b>Dreenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16551890320761504899noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19150019.post-82583815979436231172012-02-12T08:19:00.000-08:002012-02-14T10:41:14.443-08:00Recipe Post: 3-Bean Curry Tomato SoupThis is a soup I have loved for a long time, since I first created it for <a href="http://viveleveganrecipes.blogspot.com/2012/02/three-bean-curry-tomato-soup.html" target="_blank"><i>Vive le Vegan!</i></a> &nbsp;<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">3-Bean Curry Tomato Soup</span></b>.<br /><br />Why the love? &nbsp;Well, it's full o' beans. &nbsp;Just like me. &nbsp;:) &nbsp;With all those beans and veggies and spices, you know it is good for you! &nbsp;And, you feel good after eating it. &nbsp;Plus, it comes together in a snap, and you'll have enough to freeze for dinner another night.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NYfPNzAW4WI/Tzqp0snKiYI/AAAAAAAADmY/3FwZCPgBQV8/s1600/IMG_6006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NYfPNzAW4WI/Tzqp0snKiYI/AAAAAAAADmY/3FwZCPgBQV8/s400/IMG_6006.jpg" width="312" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As much as I love this soup, it's not always a 'first-choice' soup in our house. &nbsp;<i>Why</i>? &nbsp;My picky-poo's love to pluck out every visible piece of onion and mustard seed and tomato. &nbsp;I mean, they are good eaters, but they despise onions and whole spices, and find a way to eat the soup and leave the tomato behind. &nbsp;:-(</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Xn2o0ij46E/TzqqWQPwStI/AAAAAAAADmo/WZnTQUMzuk0/s1600/IMG_6037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Xn2o0ij46E/TzqqWQPwStI/AAAAAAAADmo/WZnTQUMzuk0/s400/IMG_6037.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><b><i>Are your kiddos the same? </i></b>&nbsp;I know change will come, but by that time they'll have been through teenage years and I'll be too knackered for cooking!!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.circleofmoms.com/top25/top-vegan-vegetarian-mom-blogs-2012?trk=t25_top-vegan-vegetarian-mom-blogs-2012" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank" title="Circle of Moms Top 25 Vegan &amp; Vegetarian Moms - 2012 - Vote for me!"><img src="http://images.circleofmoms.com/images/moms/link_badge.png" title="Circle of Moms Top 25 Vegan &amp; Vegetarian Moms - 2012 - Vote for me!" /></a></div><i><b>Just 2 more days to vote</b></i>! &nbsp;Thank you for supporting me. &nbsp;And, if I don't make it to the tippy-top, that's cool. &nbsp;Cool with me, not gram and poppy. &nbsp;They'll be PISSED! ;)<br />But seriously, thank you... and *also* thanks for those of you that threw in some votes for WholeFoodsVeganMomma, she's jumped up a couple of spots... keep her in the 25! &nbsp;<a href="http://www.circleofmoms.com/top25/top-vegan-vegetarian-mom-blogs-2012?trk=t25_top-vegan-vegetarian-mom-blogs-2012" target="_blank">Link</a>.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></div>Happy Sunday! &nbsp;Go make some soup, the <a href="http://viveleveganrecipes.blogspot.com/2012/02/three-bean-curry-tomato-soup.html" target="_blank"><b>recipe is now posted</b></a>!Dreenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16551890320761504899noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19150019.post-42862633394578145632012-02-11T10:50:00.000-08:002012-02-11T18:49:22.089-08:00Silver Hills Winner IS... (+please vote!)<a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/02189618182614435903" target="_blank">veganmomma</a>, comment "<i>Their bread is THE best!</i>"<br /><br />E-mail me at dreenaburton@gmail.com to get your coupons, congrats!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MJPso5gjvu4/Tza3SOokIpI/AAAAAAAADko/noGLFmJYJWQ/s1600/IMG_5597.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MJPso5gjvu4/Tza3SOokIpI/AAAAAAAADko/noGLFmJYJWQ/s1600/IMG_5597.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vegveeta Dip, photo by <a href="http://bittersweetblog.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Hannah Kaminsky</a></td></tr></tbody></table><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-odMmdCnzPiY/Ty69jfTjasI/AAAAAAAADjw/h89tkJWQV6A/s1600/comlink_badge.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-odMmdCnzPiY/Ty69jfTjasI/AAAAAAAADjw/h89tkJWQV6A/s1600/comlink_badge.png" /></a>A little birdy told me that some of you haven't been voting in the Circle of Moms contest. &nbsp;*gasp!* That chapter on hummus in ed&amp;bv must be worth a few clicks! &nbsp;And, <a href="http://viveleveganrecipes.blogspot.com/2009/03/vegveeta-cheese-dip.html" target="_blank">Vegveeta Dip</a>?! &nbsp;Even my editor is hooked on the stuff! &nbsp;I know you can show a little more love.<br /><br />All joking aside, if you like my recipes and books, and 'get' what I'm trying to do as a mom of three wee vegans...&nbsp;<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.circleofmoms.com/top25/top-vegan-vegetarian-mom-blogs-2012?trk=t25_top-vegan-vegetarian-mom-blogs-2012" target="_blank">please VOTE</a></span></b>, there are only a few days left.<br /><br />And, if you're voting for others, you can still vote for my blog too (you can vote for more than one, I've been trying to keep <a href="http://veganmothering.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Whole Foods Vegan Momma</a> in the Top 25 - help her along too, she's hovering around the 25th spot)!<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">((<i>thank you</i>!))</span>Dreenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16551890320761504899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19150019.post-82237432907771725542012-02-10T07:17:00.000-08:002012-02-10T07:19:07.852-08:00Silver Hills Bakery Giveaway and "Fantastic French Toast"Hello my friends! &nbsp;Once upon a time we <a href="http://vivelevegan.blogspot.com/2010/05/giveaway-silver-hills-bakery.html" target="_blank">did a giveaway</a>&nbsp;with <a href="http://www.silverhillsbakery.ca/" target="_blank">Silver Hills Bakery</a>.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uPbLhQOi9a0/TzUzP_dE-wI/AAAAAAAADkg/w43iAK4lQKI/s1600/steadyeddiebread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uPbLhQOi9a0/TzUzP_dE-wI/AAAAAAAADkg/w43iAK4lQKI/s320/steadyeddiebread.jpg" width="159" /></a></div><br />We reconnected recently when they asked to use my "<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Fantastic French Toast</span></b>" recipe in an article reprint. &nbsp;Silver Hills has a <a href="http://www.silverhillsbakery.ca/products/gluten-free-bread?" target="_blank">new line of gluten-free breads</a>, and they paired their gf-breads with my french toast recipe in this article. &nbsp;Nice coupling! &nbsp;And, you can <a href="http://www.impactmagazine.ca/food-and-nutrition/recipes/fantastic-silver-hills-vegan-a-gluten-free-chia-chia-french-toast.html" target="_blank">get the recipe in this Impact Magazine article</a>!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SNINl5VFn2U/TzUyDGLbfWI/AAAAAAAADkY/7LMyJ2ntOFE/s1600/fantasticfrenchtoast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SNINl5VFn2U/TzUyDGLbfWI/AAAAAAAADkY/7LMyJ2ntOFE/s400/fantasticfrenchtoast.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fantastic French Toast (photo credit: www.fourgreensteps.com)</td></tr></tbody></table>But, you can't make <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Fantastic French Toast</span> without the bread! &nbsp;To celebrate the launch of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0738215619/ref=as_li_tf_til?tag=dreenaburtonc-20&amp;camp=14573&amp;creative=327641&amp;linkCode=as1&amp;creativeASIN=0738215619&amp;adid=0RZ4C5XMK8RXC8EB0SCB&amp;&amp;ref-refURL=http%3A%2F%2Fvivelevegan.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F05%2Fgiveaway-silver-hills-bakery.html" target="_blank">Let Them Eat Vegan,</a> Silver Hills has agreed to give<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">&nbsp;one of my readers coupons for 5 loaves of bread!</span></b>&nbsp; Many of you already know and love this bread as I do. &nbsp;It's our staple bread, as it's healthier than most breads on the market and made with sprouted grains. <br /><br />Wanna' win? &nbsp;I'm making it really easy this time. &nbsp;Mostly because I'm a bit zonked myself (too much going on to even explain). &nbsp;So, <b>comment on <i>this</i> post to enter!</b>&nbsp; One comment per person, contest open to residents of US and Canada. &nbsp;To find whether Silver Hills is sold in your area, <a href="http://www.silverhillsbakery.ca/store-locator/" target="_blank">check their store locator here</a>.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-odMmdCnzPiY/Ty69jfTjasI/AAAAAAAADjw/h89tkJWQV6A/s1600/comlink_badge.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-odMmdCnzPiY/Ty69jfTjasI/AAAAAAAADjw/h89tkJWQV6A/s1600/comlink_badge.png" /></a></div>And, I can't leave without reminding you of the <b>Circle of Moms contest</b>. &nbsp;There are only <b><i>4 days left to vote</i>.</b> &nbsp;4! &nbsp;You DON'T need to register, just click for a vote. &nbsp;So...<br /><br />Please do your thing, show me some voting bling! &nbsp;Once a day, everyday. &nbsp;Then, I promise&nbsp;to save the corny jokes and nagging for my kiddos. &nbsp;Deal?! &nbsp;<a href="http://www.circleofmoms.com/top25/top-vegan-vegetarian-mom-blogs-2012?trk=t25_top-vegan-vegetarian-mom-blogs-2012" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Please, click and vote!</span></a>Dreenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16551890320761504899noreply@blogger.com51tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19150019.post-72425784233730295722012-02-08T11:55:00.000-08:002012-02-08T17:55:35.933-08:00Valentine's Recipe: Three's Company Pie!You just <b><i>knew</i> </b>I would post something chocolatey for Valentine's, didn't you?! &nbsp;:D<br /><br />I ran a poll on my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dreena-Burton/260878040651278" target="_blank">fb page</a> for what NEW recipe from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0738215619/ref=as_li_tf_til?tag=dreenaburtonc-20&amp;camp=14573&amp;creative=327641&amp;linkCode=as1&amp;creativeASIN=0738215619&amp;adid=0RV92PWDD5ZDBZF0JQZV&amp;&amp;ref-refURL=http%3A%2F%2Fvivelevegan.blogspot.com%2F" target="_blank">LTEV</a> to post. &nbsp;It was a bit of a tight race, but this <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Three's Company Pie (aka chocolate, peanut butter, 'n banana pie)</span></b> had the edge.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PcTubx0FqY4/TzLia9h36gI/AAAAAAAADkQ/EB7ApWN_2UA/s1600/IMG_6370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PcTubx0FqY4/TzLia9h36gI/AAAAAAAADkQ/EB7ApWN_2UA/s400/IMG_6370.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />When I created this pie, I wanted to give you something that didn't use silken tofu or another soy product for a creamy, silky texture. &nbsp;Not hating on soy (<b>at all</b> - it's part of our diet). &nbsp;Rather, I wanted the recipe to be accessible for those with soy allergies. &nbsp;And, for those with peanut allergies, you can make this pie with a nut butter like cashew or almond.<br /><br />I made this again today, just for you (ohhh my sacrifices), just to get a better photo (<a href="http://bittersweetblog.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Hannah</a>, come back to me!). &nbsp;Because it is such a glorious tasting and looking pie for not much effort (don't tell anyone that, do the whole bit of dusting cocoa powder on your face and shirt). <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wu_cMqqb-V0/TzLIq0GjThI/AAAAAAAADkA/FdFoxbQj-nM/s1600/IMG_6335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wu_cMqqb-V0/TzLIq0GjThI/AAAAAAAADkA/FdFoxbQj-nM/s400/IMG_6335.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />So, for your sweetie, for yourself, for a friend... this Valentine's Day recipe is <a href="http://viveleveganrecipes.blogspot.com/2012/02/threes-company-pie-aka-chocolate-peanut.html" target="_blank"><b>now posted</b></a>. &nbsp;And, for those of you that entered the <a href="http://vivelevegan.blogspot.com/2012/02/everyday-gourmet-vegan-bakery-giveaway.html" target="_blank">Everyday Gourmet Vegan Bakery contest</a>, the winner was posted on my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dreena-Burton/260878040651278" target="_blank">fb page</a> yesterday.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-odMmdCnzPiY/Ty69jfTjasI/AAAAAAAADjw/h89tkJWQV6A/s1600/comlink_badge.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-odMmdCnzPiY/Ty69jfTjasI/AAAAAAAADjw/h89tkJWQV6A/s1600/comlink_badge.png" /></a>For my voting crew, the Circle of Moms contest wraps up on Feb. 14th. &nbsp;Just a handful of days left to vote (one vote every 24 hrs): <a href="http://www.circleofmoms.com/top25/top-vegan-vegetarian-mom-blogs-2012?trk=t25_top-vegan-vegetarian-mom-blogs-2012" target="_blank">link</a>. &nbsp;What say I trade you a slice of pie for a vote? &nbsp;That would be bribery. &nbsp;Hey, works for my kids! &nbsp;(<i>kiiiidding</i>... that was for you, anonymous) &nbsp;;)Dreenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16551890320761504899noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19150019.post-39539760376767360702012-02-05T09:41:00.000-08:002012-02-05T10:49:25.430-08:00Everyday Gourmet Vegan Bakery Giveaway!Have you heard of the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.everydaygourmetbakery.com/" target="_blank"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">Everyday Gourmet Vegan Bakery</span></b></a>? &nbsp;Time to get sweet on them, folks! &nbsp;I received an e-mail from the owner, Charlene, last week. &nbsp;When I mentioned I was doing a series of giveaway posts to celebrate the launch of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0738215619/ref=as_li_tf_til?tag=dreenaburtonc-20&amp;camp=14573&amp;creative=327641&amp;linkCode=as1&amp;creativeASIN=0738215619&amp;adid=02Q4ACSCQGE5WQJ2DA7N&amp;&amp;ref-refURL=http%3A%2F%2Fvivelevegan.blogspot.com%2F" target="_blank">Let Them Eat Vegan</a>, she jumped in with an offer (there are some very cool people and companies in the vegan world)!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><br /><div>Based out of New York, the <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">Everyday Gourmet Vegan Bakery</span></b> offers muffins, cookies, cakes, and brownies, all made with vegan, organic, and fair-traded sourced ingredients. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Check out this amazing <i>Peanut Butter Fudge Cake...</i></div><img height="213" id="cboxPhoto" src="http://www.everydaygourmetbakery.com/shop/images/108/cake-peanut-butter-chocolate-1.jpg/" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /><br /><div><br /></div><div><i>Blueberry Muffins</i>...<img height="213" id="cboxPhoto" src="http://www.everydaygourmetbakery.com/shop/images/63/muffins-blueberry.jpg/" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></div><div><br /></div><div>and these <i>Diabetic-Friendly Fudge Striped Cookies</i>!</div><div><img height="213" id="cboxPhoto" src="http://www.everydaygourmetbakery.com/shop/images/161/cookie-fudge-stripe-1.jpg/" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Gorgeous, right? &nbsp;Bet you've forgotten all about that Super Bowl stuff going on today. &nbsp;I know I have! &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Even better, feast your eyes on this baby, their <i>Vanilla Raspberry Cake</i></div><div><img height="127" src="http://www.everydaygourmetbakery.com/wp-content/themes/thesis/custom/slideshow/image4.jpg" style="-webkit-user-select: none;" width="400" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Take a real good look folks, because <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">this cake could be YOURS</span>! &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Everyday Gourmet Vegan Bakery is offering a <b>6" Vanilla Raspberry Cake to one of YOU</b>, my lucky ducky readers!* &nbsp;This cake comes unassembled with instructions so customers can put it together as they like. &nbsp;<a href="http://vegnews.com/" target="_blank">VegNews</a> tried this cake, and had this to say:</div><blockquote class="tr_bq">“We’re pretty big fans of homemade vegan cake. With icing and raspberry sauce. We’re even bigger fans of homemade vegan cake with icing and raspberry sauce when we get to put as much of the icing and raspberry sauce on top as we want (and yes, it will be the entire bag). Everyday Gourmet’s treats really sweetened up our Friday, and we can’t wait to dive in.”</blockquote><div>Could you hope for anything more perfect for Valentine's??? &nbsp;But there's more! &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div><b>They are also offering the winner a coupon for FREE shipping on any future order with them!&nbsp;</b></div></div><div><br /></div><div>So, how can you win this gorgeous cake? &nbsp;No, you don't have to buy me a Valentine's gift. &nbsp;That would be nice, but that's hubby's job. &nbsp;To enter this contest:<br /><br /></div><div>1) <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dreena-Burton/260878040651278" target="_blank">"Like" my fb page</a>&nbsp;(if you haven't already).</div><div>2) &nbsp;Then comment on my <b>fb page post entitled "Win This Cake!</b>".</div><div>3) For an <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">EXTRA entry</span>, <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/dreenaburton" target="_blank">follow me on twitter </a>(if you haven't already) and then <a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=http%3A%2F%2Fvivelevegan.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F02%2Feveryday-gourmet-vegan-bakery-giveaway.html&amp;text=eat%2C+drink+%26+be+vegan%3A+Everyday+Gourmet+Vegan+Bakery+Giveaway%21&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fvivelevegan.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F02%2Feveryday-gourmet-vegan-bakery-giveaway.html%3Fspref%3Dtw" target="_blank">retweet this post</a>. &nbsp;Then, you can comment on fb a second time with the word "tweet". &nbsp;</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">*note that giveaway is open to US residents only, because of customs regulations with international shipments.</span><br /><br /></div><div>Clear as frosting, right? &nbsp;</div><div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-odMmdCnzPiY/Ty69jfTjasI/AAAAAAAADjw/h89tkJWQV6A/s1600/comlink_badge.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-odMmdCnzPiY/Ty69jfTjasI/AAAAAAAADjw/h89tkJWQV6A/s1600/comlink_badge.png" /></a>I know you're eager to eat cake - but check this out: &nbsp;We're up to 3rd place in the Circle of Moms contest! <i>Can we do BETTER</i>??! Circle of Moms has a readership of <b>6 million moms.</b>&nbsp;Guys, help me get the word out about this<b style="font-style: italic;"> vegan</b> blog (not all in the running are vegan)... and my recipes and LTEV! &nbsp;<a href="http://www.circleofmoms.com/top25/top-vegan-vegetarian-mom-blogs-2012?trk=t25_top-vegan-vegetarian-mom-blogs-2012" target="_blank">Pls VOTE</a>&nbsp;everyday - it's just a click from you pc, iphone, ipad. &nbsp;(and thank you again to my very loyal voters, you know who you are) xo<br /><br />and hey, If you know <a href="http://ellen.warnerbros.com/" target="_blank">Ellen</a>, get her to vote too, okay. ;)</div>Dreenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16551890320761504899noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19150019.post-3932380287482808332012-02-03T06:48:00.001-08:002012-02-27T10:26:11.448-08:00Here it is! LET THEM EAT VEGAN!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Almost four years in the making...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WGZyoX1d9t4/Tyvq-QIeHaI/AAAAAAAADi4/Kq6l-5Ku2eA/s1600/LTEVcover!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WGZyoX1d9t4/Tyvq-QIeHaI/AAAAAAAADi4/Kq6l-5Ku2eA/s640/LTEVcover!.jpg" width="515" /></a></div><br />I love this cover. &nbsp;It is sharp and bright and feels fresh, vibrant, and alive! &nbsp;Just the message I want to communicate with this book.<br /><br />And, the theme of "<b>Plant-Powered</b>" runs throughout the book. &nbsp;These are nutritionally dense recipes, made with the vegan basics - whole grains and whole-grain products, beans, seeds, nuts, vegetables and fruits. &nbsp;Yes, there are sweets, but even these I've made with healthier options in mind, and no vegan substitutes (ie cream cheese, margarine). &nbsp;And, I've given you informational sections like your "Eating Your Greens", "Plant-Powered Lunchbox", and "Plant-Powered Pantry". &nbsp;Plus, <b>ALL</b> <b>the recipes are either wheat-free or gluten-free</b>, or have the substitutions to modify accordingly.<br /><br />The back cover includes quotes from <a href="http://toyourhealthnutrition.com/" target="_blank">Julieanna Hever</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://veganfusion.com/" target="_blank">Mark Reinfeld</a>. &nbsp;Here they are:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">"Dreena brilliantly delivers the perfect balance of wholesome, health-promoting nutrition with decadent and creatively extraordinary recipes, while being mindful of food allergies, picky kids, and taste preferences. This is a masterpiece of delicious ways to enjoy whole plant foods - including an entire tutorial on making green smoothies, a slew of rich optionally oil-free dressings, and a chapter of mouth-watering whole plant burgers."</span>&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">-Julieanna Hever, MS, RD, CPT, author of <i>The Complete Idiot's Guide to Plant-Based Nutrition</i></span></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">"Dreena nailed it with this delectable and innovative selection of world-class recipe that just so happen to be vegan."</span>&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">- Mark Reinfeld, award-winning author of <i>The 30-Minute Vegan</i> series and Executive Chef of www.veganfusion.com&nbsp;</span></blockquote>You can <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0738215619/ref=as_li_tf_til?tag=dreenaburtonc-20&amp;camp=14573&amp;creative=327641&amp;linkCode=as1&amp;creativeASIN=0738215619&amp;adid=1BYCW682DVGNNYBPC15P&amp;&amp;ref-refURL=http%3A%2F%2Fvivelevegan.blogspot.com%2F" target="_blank"><b>preorder LTEV</b></a> now! &nbsp;Tell me what you think, isn't this cover adorable??!!<br /><br />If you have loved my recipes before, please join me in spreading the word about Let Them Eat Vegan. &nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/#!/dreenaburton" target="_blank"><b>Follow me on twitter</b></a>, <b><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_996810635">retweet</a><a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=http%3A%2F%2Fvivelevegan.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F02%2Fhere-it-is-let-them-eat-vegan.html&amp;source=tweetbutton&amp;text=eat%2C%20drink%20%26%20be%20vegan%3A%20Here%20it%20is!%20LET%20THEM%20EAT%20VEGAN!&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fvivelevegan.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F02%2Fhere-it-is-let-them-eat-vegan.html&amp;via=dreenaburton" target="_blank"> this post</a></b>, and join me on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dreena-Burton/260878040651278" target="_blank"><b>facebook</b></a>. <br /><br />P.S. Message from my daughters: "<i><b>Even Gram and Poppy are voting for mommy</b></i>". &nbsp;You heard it from them, <a href="http://www.circleofmoms.com/top25/top-vegan-vegetarian-mom-blogs-2012?trk=t25_top-vegan-vegetarian-mom-blogs-2012" target="_blank"><b>go vote</b></a>! &nbsp;:DDreenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16551890320761504899noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19150019.post-34166055017312966442012-02-02T13:42:00.000-08:002012-02-02T13:55:15.040-08:00Who won the chocolate?Hey all! &nbsp;The chocolate winners are <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dreena-Burton/260878040651278" target="_blank">now posted on my fb page</a>. &nbsp;If you were one of the luckies, please e-mail me, dreenaburton@gmail.com. <br /><br />AND, we have finalized<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> the new cover</span></b> for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0738215619/ref=as_li_tf_til?tag=dreenaburtonc-20&amp;camp=14573&amp;creative=327641&amp;linkCode=as1&amp;creativeASIN=0738215619&amp;adid=0YBZT11S36VY9KVV7EE8&amp;&amp;ref-refURL=http%3A%2F%2Fvivelevegan.blogspot.com%2F" target="_blank">LET THEM EAT VEGAN</a>! &nbsp;When do you get to see it? &nbsp;Very soon - say tomorrow??! &nbsp;Hang tight!<br /><br />Until then, <a href="http://www.circleofmoms.com/top25/top-vegan-vegetarian-mom-blogs-2012?trk=t25_top-vegan-vegetarian-mom-blogs-2012" target="_blank"><i><b>you may wanna' vote</b></i></a>...? <br />Just remember all those good times we had over some <a href="http://viveleveganrecipes.blogspot.com/2006/01/homestyle-chocolate-chip-cookies.html" target="_blank">Homestyle Chocolate Chip Cookies</a>...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DGjf-wnD1VU/Tu9ahAkWO7I/AAAAAAAADas/7--Zuyqcopw/s1600/timthumb.php.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DGjf-wnD1VU/Tu9ahAkWO7I/AAAAAAAADas/7--Zuyqcopw/s320/timthumb.php.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />and, those&nbsp;<a href="http://viveleveganrecipes.blogspot.com/2010/09/dreenas-frosted-b-raw-nies.html" target="_blank">Frosted Brawnies</a>...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QeLS4zQKm1w/TV_czD8G7pI/AAAAAAAAC_Q/x_n7s3hW0bc/s1600/IMG_9433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QeLS4zQKm1w/TV_czD8G7pI/AAAAAAAAC_Q/x_n7s3hW0bc/s1600/IMG_9433.JPG" /></a></div>...those were the days. &nbsp;Where's all the wooing gone? &nbsp;**sigh** &nbsp;<a href="http://www.circleofmoms.com/top25/top-vegan-vegetarian-mom-blogs-2012?trk=t25_top-vegan-vegetarian-mom-blogs-2012" target="_blank">Link</a>&nbsp; ;)<br /><br />((More giveaways to come to celebrate the launch of <b>LTEV</b>!))Dreenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16551890320761504899noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19150019.post-34045114849397774762012-02-01T11:29:00.000-08:002012-02-02T15:56:37.836-08:00Valentine's Fair Trade Gifts + Chocolate Giveaway!In time for Valentine's Day, Fair Trade USA has posted a <a href="http://fairtradeusa.org/blog/fair-trade-certified-valentines-day-gift-guide" target="_blank">Valentine's Day gift guide</a>. &nbsp;Not all of the items in their guide are vegan, but there are a few, and some different options (like the "Helping Haiti" bouquet).<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1sTKB-1qCY4/TymRnZi5BNI/AAAAAAAADiw/3EJJW4y9ir0/s1600/alter_eco_dark_chocolate_quinoa_bar_510G.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1sTKB-1qCY4/TymRnZi5BNI/AAAAAAAADiw/3EJJW4y9ir0/s1600/alter_eco_dark_chocolate_quinoa_bar_510G.jpg" /></a></div><br />And, the folks at Fair Trade USA are <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">giving away&nbsp;5 <a href="http://www.altereco-usa.com/main.php" target="_blank">Alter Eco Dark Chocolate Quinoa bars</a></span></b> to my readers! &nbsp; To enter, go to <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dreena-Burton/260878040651278" target="_blank">my facebook page</a> and comment on the "<b>chocolate giveaway</b>" post. &nbsp;I am encouraging you to join my new fb page as I will be phasing out the other, please know that. &nbsp;As part of my new website launch I am streamlining my social networking with the new site, so get on, skedaddle over and connect with me!<br /><br />I can still use your votes in the <a href="http://www.circleofmoms.com/top25/top-vegan-vegetarian-mom-blogs-2012" target="_blank">CIRCLE OF MOMS contest</a>. &nbsp;All you have to do is click next to my entry.&nbsp;<b>&nbsp;That's it</b>! &nbsp;<b><i>No registration needed</i></b>. &nbsp;And, you can vote once every 24 hours - and use different gadgets to do so (pc, ipad, iphone, etc). &nbsp;Just a "click", couldn't be more simple!!<br /><br />I've also announced the winner of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Celebrate-Vegan-Life-Affirming-Recipes-Occasions/dp/0762770678/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1327942938&amp;sr=1-1" target="_blank">Celebrate Vegan</a> on my facebook page. &nbsp;Thank you to those of you that have already joined my fb group. &nbsp;You guys make the difference...&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dreena-Burton/260878040651278" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>more thumbs up</b></span></a>!Dreenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16551890320761504899noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19150019.post-432563802681431182012-01-31T09:26:00.000-08:002012-01-31T15:20:22.077-08:00Cookbook Giveaway!<div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Giveaway time!</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KA0W68_bXD8/TybNqMcoDTI/AAAAAAAADiI/EHz9MDbiGV8/s1600/celebrateveganCOVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KA0W68_bXD8/TybNqMcoDTI/AAAAAAAADiI/EHz9MDbiGV8/s320/celebrateveganCOVER.jpg" width="259" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Dynise Balcavage has arranged a giveaway of her cookbook <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Celebrate-Vegan-Life-Affirming-Recipes-Occasions/dp/0762770678/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1327942938&amp;sr=1-1" target="_blank">Celebrate Vegan</a> for my readers! &nbsp;To enter, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dreena-Burton/260878040651278" target="_blank">link through to "like" facebook page</a>, <b>and comment on my fb Celebrate Vegan giveaway post </b>(not this blog post).*<br /><br />This giveaway is JUST in time for Valentine's... and if you're lucky, you can cook from Dynise's <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Valentine's Day recipes</span>, <i>including</i>: "Easy Framboise Spritzer", "Crostini with Avocado Mousse", "Seitan with Porcini Mushrooms and Saffron", and "Chocolate-Covered Cherries"! &nbsp;How elegant and romantic!<br /><div><div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you Dynise, you are a gem! &nbsp;Good luck guys! &nbsp;:)<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">*One comment per person eligible, and contest is open to US residents (or if you have a US mailing address).&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><u>Reminder</u></b></span>: &nbsp;Keeners, throw me a vote again for the <a href="http://www.circleofmoms.com/top25/top-vegan-vegetarian-mom-blogs-2012" target="_blank"><b>Circle of Moms contest</b></a>. &nbsp;If you're <b>super-keen</b>, you can vote every day (once every 24 hours) - no registering needed, just a CLICK! &nbsp;Thank YOU!!!</div></div></div>Dreenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16551890320761504899noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19150019.post-44608048427907879872012-01-30T09:29:00.000-08:002012-01-30T09:29:20.936-08:00Book Review: Celebrate Vegan<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Celebrate-Vegan-Life-Affirming-Recipes-Occasions/dp/0762770678/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1327942938&amp;sr=1-1" target="_blank">Celebrate Vegan</a> is the second cookbook by <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&amp;field-keywords=dynise+balcavage+vegan&amp;x=0&amp;y=0" target="_blank">Dynise Balcavage</a>. &nbsp;Many of you know and love Dynise, from her <a href="http://urbanvegan.net/" target="_blank">Urban Vegan blog</a> and first book, <i>The Urban Vegan</i>.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KA0W68_bXD8/TybNqMcoDTI/AAAAAAAADiI/EHz9MDbiGV8/s1600/celebrateveganCOVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KA0W68_bXD8/TybNqMcoDTI/AAAAAAAADiI/EHz9MDbiGV8/s320/celebrateveganCOVER.jpg" width="259" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Celebrate Vegan</b> steps into just what the title suggests... party fare! &nbsp;It's not necessarily traditional celebrations either, like Christmas and Thanksgiving. &nbsp;While Dynise offers some recipes for these holidays, there is far more devoted to other less-observed religious and non-religious, international, and culturally-defined reasons to celebrate!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">For instance, Dynise serves up menus for St. Patrick's Day, Mother's Day (and Father's!), Cinco De Mayo, Fourth of July, Chinese New Year, Mardi Gras, and Earth Day. &nbsp;Vesak, Purim, and Diwali are also covered. &nbsp;Don't know those holidays? &nbsp;Neither did I!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">That's what sets Dynise and her cookbooks apart. &nbsp;She takes you on food journeys. &nbsp;In this book, you can explore different cuisines based on the holidays and feasts in which they are rooted. &nbsp;So, even if you aren't looking for recipes to observe a particular holiday, this book gives you the opportunity to try out new dishes from other cuisines - in pure vegan form! &nbsp;Plus, Dynise injects fun into this book. &nbsp;Ladies, you can start planning your "Girls' Night In"... or "Tailgate Party", if you prefer!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Some of the recipes that immediately caught my eye include "Hot-and-Sour Carrots and Lentils" (New Year's Day), "Chickpeas with Tomatoes, Eggplant, and Kale" (Eid Al-Fitr), "Tanzanian Curried Chickpea-Banana Soup" (Kwanzaa), and "Caponata" (Father's Day).</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I decided to try out the Caponata recipe. &nbsp;Hubby and I always loved this caponata pizza at a wood-fired pizza joint years ago, so I suspected this recipe would be a hit for both of us....</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cdDqlHP1jGk/TybSOE-BQwI/AAAAAAAADiY/HiAD38wEUC0/s1600/IMG_6043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cdDqlHP1jGk/TybSOE-BQwI/AAAAAAAADiY/HiAD38wEUC0/s400/IMG_6043.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">And it WAS! &nbsp;For those of you unfamiliar with caponata, it is a Sicilian dish - a pickled, savory salad of sorts consisting of stewed eggplant, onions, peppers, celery, and then the irresistible sweet/sour/pungent blend of vinegar, raisins, capers, and olives. &nbsp;</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N9TWdD5loTQ/TybSwmI7j_I/AAAAAAAADio/z8BDteNhgSY/s1600/IMG_6054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N9TWdD5loTQ/TybSwmI7j_I/AAAAAAAADio/z8BDteNhgSY/s400/IMG_6054.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The recipe was divine. &nbsp;The caponata can be eaten warm or cold, and used for pizzas, sandwiches, to accompany soups with side bread, or even to toss through quinoa. &nbsp;(And, it made a big enough batch that I used it for all of the aforementioned.)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Get yourself a copy of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Celebrate-Vegan-Life-Affirming-Recipes-Occasions/dp/0762770678/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1327943977&amp;sr=1-1" target="_blank">Celebrate Vegan</a> and explore a whole new world of holidays - and cuisines - with Dynise. &nbsp;(And, if you're one of 'the rest of us'. &nbsp;Don't worry, Dynise has observed Festivus.) :)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Reminder:</span></u> &nbsp;Get your vegan buttocks over&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dreena-Burton/260878040651278" target="_blank">and "like" my new facebook page</a>. &nbsp;I have <b>giveaways coming</b> very soon, and will be posting them there. &nbsp;All part of the countdown to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0738215619/ref=as_li_tf_til?tag=dreenaburtonc-20&amp;camp=14573&amp;creative=327641&amp;linkCode=as1&amp;creativeASIN=0738215619&amp;adid=0DGNN8MTK0J8Q7XCC6NV&amp;&amp;ref-refURL=http%3A%2F%2Fvivelevegan.blogspot.com%2F" target="_blank">LTEV</a>! Stay tuned!</div>Dreenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16551890320761504899noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19150019.post-46880578343086683132012-01-29T15:03:00.000-08:002012-01-29T15:03:27.052-08:00New Website Plans and New Facebook Page!<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I'm doing some vegan housekeeping. &nbsp;Or rather, some planning and restructuring for the launch of&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0738215619/ref=as_li_tf_til?tag=dreenaburtonc-20&amp;camp=14573&amp;creative=327641&amp;linkCode=as1&amp;creativeASIN=0738215619&amp;adid=1BW1699W5XXQA7TCDYWD&amp;&amp;ref-refURL=http%3A%2F%2Fvivelevegan.blogspot.com%2F" target="_blank">Let Them Eat Vegan</a>. &nbsp;It will be on shelves in just over a month, but you&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0738215619/ref=as_li_tf_til?tag=dreenaburtonc-20&amp;camp=14573&amp;creative=327641&amp;linkCode=as1&amp;creativeASIN=0738215619&amp;adid=1BW1699W5XXQA7TCDYWD&amp;&amp;ref-refURL=http%3A%2F%2Fvivelevegan.blogspot.com%2F" target="_blank">can preorder now</a>!<br /><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--jRpEFtkBMs/TyXPCAcvFXI/AAAAAAAADiA/e5UlGq6eeQ4/s1600/51pgGVa5kZL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--jRpEFtkBMs/TyXPCAcvFXI/AAAAAAAADiA/e5UlGq6eeQ4/s200/51pgGVa5kZL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">With the release of the book, I will be&nbsp;<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">launching a new website</span></b>, which will give you more features as a reader... and me, a pretty new homepage! :)</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I have also created a&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dreena-Burton/260878040651278" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">new facebook page</span></a>.</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;Please&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dreena-Burton/260878040651278" target="_blank"><b>link through and "like"</b></a>&nbsp;to stay up to date with my posts and news, as I will be phasing out my current friend page and networking through this new page. &nbsp;</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://images.circleofmoms.com/images/moms/link_badge.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.circleofmoms.com/images/moms/link_badge.png" style="cursor: move;" title="Circle of Moms Top 25 Vegan &amp; Vegetarian Moms - 2012 - Vote for me!" /></a>AND, I will be doing a "countdown" to the launch of LTEV,&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">complete with giveaways and contests</span>. &nbsp;But, be sure to connect with&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dreena-Burton/260878040651278" target="_blank">my&nbsp;<b><i>new</i></b>&nbsp;facebook page</a>&nbsp;to receive updates.</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Finally, a reminder to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.circleofmoms.com/top25/top-vegan-vegetarian-mom-blogs-2012" target="_blank">cast your vote my way</a>&nbsp;in the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.circleofmoms.com/top25/top-vegan-vegetarian-mom-blogs-2012" target="_blank">Circle of Moms contest</a>. &nbsp;You do not need to register to vote - just a simple click, takes a second or two. &nbsp;You can vote every day until Feb. 14th... thanks for your support!</div></div></div>Dreenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16551890320761504899noreply@blogger.com2